Sunday, Nov. 21 – Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple
8:30 AM Matins
9:30 AM Divine Liturgy
Monday, Nov. 22 – Philemon and Others, Apostles
8:30 AM Morning Prayer
4:00 PM Evening Prayer
Tuesday, Nov. 23 – Amphilochius and Gregory, Bishops
8:30 AM Morning Prayer
4:00 PM Evening Prayer
Wednesday, Nov. 24 – Catherine, Great Martyr
8:30 AM Morning Prayer
6:30 PM Emmanuel Moleben
7:30 PM Fire-pit Social
Thursday, Nov. 25 – Clement and Peter, Pope and Bishop
8:30 AM Thanksgiving Moleben
Friday, Nov. 26 – Alypius the Stylite, Venerable
8:30 AM Morning Prayer
4:00 PM Compline
Saturday, Nov. 27 – James the Persian, Martyr
5:00 PM Ventura County Divine Liturgy
6:30 PM Vespers
Sunday, Nov. 28 – 27th Sunday after Pentecost
8:30 AM Matins
9:30 AM Divine Liturgy
Please remember the following people in your prayers: Estella Biedenbender, Ken Bosak, ,Fletes Family: Alicia, Frankie, Layla, Lupita & Veronica, Victoria Flores, Larry Goodwin, Holly Garlow, Michelle Grana, Virginia Harrington, Jeanne Hart, Michael Hefferon, Nicole Hefferon, Rob Hooper, Chris Johnson, Mary-Jo Koman-Keogh, Patricia Kurczak, Irene Lehman, Elizabeth & John Mallas, Dylan Mancia, Toni Martin, Marg Mauro, Juan Gabriel Martinez, Pedro Medina, Mina family: Mila, Diana, Rev. John & Mike, Shannon O’Neill, Austin Pearce, Tanya Petach, Casandra Porch, Nicholas, Rodriguez Diane Romano, Paul Saucedo, Kathleen Savko, Robert Stamer, Leanne Steuer, Mary Washko, Dina & Matthew Wiggins, Carmen Zambrano, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, Fr. Chris Zugger and all those who serve in the Armed Forces
Collection: $1,782.00; Candles: $67.00; Online: $310.00; VC Outreach: $380.00; Church Improvements: $280.00; Holydays: $30.00; Socials: $30.00; Gift shop: $52.00
Total: $2,931.00 / Attendance- PSM: 61 VCO: 44
The feast of the Entrance of the Mother of God Into the Temple praises and glorifies God for His plan of salvation. God prepares for Himself a holy dwelling place. The Byzantine Church never tires of praising the Mother of God for her role in our salvation. She is called the “Heavenly Tabernacle” in the Kontakion of the Feast, and the “Living Tabernacle of God” in the Hirmos. She is given these titles because in her womb the Word of God has taken flesh and dwelt among us. Her body is the living tabernacle of the Incarnate Word and, through her, God has taken on our human nature and elevated us to become “sharers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1: 4). God, Who is beyond our reach and beyond our grasp, comes to dwell among us. This is God’s plan, and in the Virgin Mary, this plan of salvation was achieved.
In the Icon of the Entrance of the Mother of God, Mary is shown as a young girl being escorted to the Temple by her parents, Joachim and Anna. She is also accompanied by the holy virgins carrying candles. In all the icons of the Presentation, the High Priest greets the holy family at the entrance to the Temple.
The presentation into the temple is the main event, so the figures of the holy family and the High Priest are predominant. The Church honors the Virgin Mary as God-bearer (in Greek: Theotokos), the one who, in God’s plan of salvation, would give birth to God the Word. In the upper corner of some icons, the Virgin Mary is seen already seated in the Temple, and being cared for by the Angels. Thus, Mary, the young girl, is not only presented but also participates in the very task of her temple life. Through the Icon, we celebrate and share this mystery in the life of the Virgin.
Today is the Prelude of the benevolence of God, and the announcement of the salvation of Man. In the Temple of God, the Virgin is seen openly foretelling the Coming of Christ. Wherefore let us cry out in a loud voice: “Hail, O Fulfillment of the Creator’s Plan!” (Troparion of the Entrance of the Theotokos)
From Godwithusonline.org
“…Tonight your soul is demanded of you.” We are not our own, and this is equally true of the blessings in our lives. Jesus speaks sternly of the need to understand this so that we can be “rich toward God”. If you are blessed with the richness of a calling from God to be a priest, deacon monk or nun, will you answer it with the same yes that we see in the Theotokos and the saints? To learn more, contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org
THE BYZANTINE CATHOLIC EPARCHY OF PHOENIX subscribes to the
Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
adopted by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. The Eparchy, within all its parishes, institutions and programs, is committed to assuring a safe environment in ministry for its children and young people that conforms to the Charter requirements.
For information regarding the Eparchial Safe Environment Program, please contact:
Dcn. Michael Hanafin: Safe Environment Program Coordinator
Cell: (480) 387-5182 – Email: dcnhanafin@ephx.org
Sbdcn. Paul F. Kilroy: Asst. Safe Environment Program Coordinator
Office: (602) 861-9778 – Cell: (702) 498-5972 – Email: sbdcnkilroy@ephx.org
Dr. Caroline Bonham: Victim Assistance Coordinator
Cell: (505) 314-3943 – Email: victimassistanceofphoenix@gmail.com
Saturday, November 20 –
